Sunderland RCA FChttp://sunderlandrca.co.uk
enMorpeth Town match abandonedhttp://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3536
<div class="field field-name-field-top-picture field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="http://sunderlandrca.co.uk/sites/default/files/DSC_4298.jpg" width="2048" height="1362" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><em>Luke Page in action during the abondoned match at home to Morpeth Town.</em></p>
<p>Tonight's Northern League match between Sunderland RCA and Morpeth Town was abandoned seven minutes into the second half by the referee due to poor visibility.</p>
<p>Morpeth had gone in at the break with a 2-0 lead after former RCA player Mark Davison had given the visitors the lead in the 16th minute, finishing off a cross from the right from another former RCA player Joe Walton.</p>
<p>Morpeth doubled their lead six minutes before half-time when Walton latched onto a low corner to finish at the front post.</p>
<p>Seven minutes into the second half, the referee and lineman got together and the match was halted, with the referee stating he would look to see if conditions would improve after 20 minutes - 20 minutes later, and after a further inspection of the visibility, the referee abondoned the match, which will now have to be replayed at a later date. </p>
</div></div></div>Tue, 26 Sep 2017 21:06:31 +0000Simon Mears3536 at http://sunderlandrca.co.ukhttp://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3536#commentsView from the Cemetery - September 2017 4http://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3534
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>So the double header against Shildon yielded no goals and no points. Disappointing, but not too surprising, given we are suffering a major injury crisis at present. It happens to everybody so no complaints, but it isn’t half frustrating. Having said that the general view was that over both games we did pretty well, except maybe in terms of taking the chances we had, and we did have a few in both games. It's funny how it works, but sometimes a bit of adversity can help in the long run. By all accounts nobody watching Luke Richardson hurling himself about with joyous abandon up front last Wednesday could have been less than impressed with this confirmed defender doing a turn as a striker. Apart from putting the ball in the net obviously. I jest, he did great. And on Saturday, among a lot of good performances, the cameo at left back from goalkeeper Jack Patton was a joy to watch, particular when he started telling his fellow defenders to get themselves out and sharpish! No, overall the spirit is great, but it looks like we might need some reinforcements, maybe including tonight. Will the boss have been on the case? Who knows.</p>
<p><!--break--></p><p>Meanwhile back in the television world of sport the legend that is Woy may well be regretting his return to the big time down at the Palace. A bit misjudged I reckon is Woy, in as much as not everyone is as convinced as me of his absolute uselessness. By a miracle of serendipity and bad luck I found myself at the England v Iceland match last summer. And in a damn good seat as well. How unlucky was that? A game any remotely competent manager would have won in a canter against a severely limited Iceland, and that even allowing for the chronically useless Sterling on the pitch. Not old Woy though, he cruised to defeat with an air of calm detachment. Iceland had the best throw in taker I’ve seen in a long time, and that was just about enough against England. But who would have thought that as a direct consequence Sunderland would get relegated? Long overdue I know, but even so talk about insult to injury. Looks like he may be planning to give Palace a bit of the same treatment this season, which is some consolation. Now that old ‘Arry is back among the ranks of the unemployed, Woy is the main representative of the old school of English manager, and he obviously plans to go down in flames. On you go Woy my son.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Story type: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1">View from the cemetery</a></li></ul></div>Mon, 25 Sep 2017 21:49:24 +0000Ghostly Gadgie3534 at http://sunderlandrca.co.ukhttp://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3534#commentsSunderland RCA 0 Shildon 1http://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3532
<div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Saturday, 23 September 2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-competition field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Northern League 1</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-top-picture field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="http://sunderlandrca.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/DSC_4295.jpg?itok=xTJxvFv0" width="1200" height="799" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><em>Neal Bussey made a string of super second half saves.</em></p>
<p><em>For more photos from the match please <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsm4T2Rro" target="_blank">click here</a>.</em></p>
<p>Goal scorers - Shildon: Fenton.</p>
<p>Following Wednesday's 3-0 defeat to Shildon at Dean Street, Sunderland RCA were back in Northern League action today with the return fixture against Shildon at Meadow Park.</p>
<p>RCA were down to the bare bones for today's match, with Colin Larkin and Stephen Callen joining the injured list from the match on Wednesday, and Ross Preston away. Into the side came Clayton Davis and Jak Ashton, and Luke Richardson started after playing almost all of Wednesday's match.</p>
<p>The two sides lined up as follows:</p>
<p>RCA: Bussey; C Davis; Ashton; McGuinness; Richardson; Noble; Charlton (c); Page; O'Neill; Elliott; Cassidy.</p>
<p>Shildon: Liversedge; Harwood (c); Robson; Dodds; Moore; Curl; Greulich-Smith; Hodgson; Coleman; Fenton; Peacock.</p>
<p><!--break--></p><p>Shildon had the first opportunity of the match in the third minute - a corner was half cleared and Hodgson fired in a fierce shot from 25 yards just wide of the post. Ten minutes later and RCA won a free-kick for a foul on Cassidy. Elliott's free-kick was cleared. Two minutes later and Shildon won a free-kick for a foul on Coleman which was also cleared as the match got off to a low-key start. Midway through the first half and Peacock delivered a good cross from the right which was well held by Bussey at full stretch and under pressure from Coleman. Three minutes later and RCA had their first real chance of the match - Davis made a good interception to regain possession for RCA, before playing in Page who advanced to the edge of the penalty area but his shot was poked wide of the post.</p>
<p>The 26th minute brought the half's major, or perhaps, only, talking point - Coleman chased a through ball and was fouled by McGuinness on the edge of the penalty area. The referee chose to show only a yellow card, despite vociferous protests that it should have been a red. Perhaps the only thing that kept McGuinness on the pitch was that Coleman was running on an angle towards the corner flag - but, nevertheless, you do see them given as straight reds! From the free-kick, Peacock rattled the top, left corner of the woodwork with a tremendous, curling effort. In the 32nd minute, RCA produced a super move, switching play from right to left and Elliott firing a shot over the crossbar. Two minutes later and Shildon were awarded a free-kick for a foul on Coleman, which Robson fired over the crossbar from the apex of the penalty area. And two minutes further on, Peacock crossed and Fenton sent a flying header just wide. In the 38th minute, Greulich-Smith made a good run down the left and crossed - McGuinness sliced an attempted clearance over the crossbar for a corner which was too high and went out for a throw-in on the far side. As half-time time approached Davis made a good run down the right, winning a corner which was cleared.</p>
<p>Half-time: Sunderland RCA 0 Shildon 0</p>
<p>Again, it was the visitors who had the first scoring attempt in the second half - in the 50th minute, Coleman received the ball from a throw-in on the right, before turning and firing in a shot just wide from the edge of the penalty area. One minute later and O'Neill raced onto a through ball, his shot from ten yards, which was heading for the top corner, was palmed over the crossbar by Liversedge. In the 56th minute RCA were reduced to ten men - Coleman made a driving run down the right, cutting into the penalty area and was impeded by McGuinness, who was given a second yellow card. Three minutes later and Shildon took the lead as Fenton received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and fired in a powerful, low shot into the bottom corner. RCA won a free-kick in the 63rd minute after Noble was fouled. The ball was cleared and Fenton was in on goal but Bussey made a terrific block to keep RCA in the match.</p>
<p>In the 76th minute, RCA had a good chance to equalise as Cassidy drove into the penalty area but his goal bound shot was blocked for a corner which was cleared. Five minutes later and Coleman fired in another ferocious effort from the right corner of the penalty area that was superbly blocked by Bussey with his feet for corner which was cleared. And three minutes later Bussey was again called into action after substitute Burnicle was put through but the RCA ‘keeper raced out and made another excellent block. In stoppage time Coleman again fired in a shot from the right side of the penalty area that crashed off the post as Shildon finished the match strongly.</p>
<p>Yes, another defeat, but the lads deserve great credit for keeping the scoreline to a single goal with both eleven and ten men. As the mysterious Ghostly Gadgie has pointed out from his excellent position in the cemetery, playing the same team twice in three days, with seven months of the season remaining, does seem rather unnecessary. However, on the plus side, at least we've got the two games out of the way - two games we've now lost for each of the last five seasons.</p>
<p>Not wishing to make excuses, but RCA's run of matches so far this season - with no midweek break - has seriously tested a squad that has suffered injuries to key players - highlighted today by having to play goalkeeper Jack Patton as an outfield player after Jak Ashton was injured in the second half. RCA were today without James Armstrong, John Butler, Stephen Callen, Jonathan Davis, Jake Fowler, Craig Hodgson, Colin Larkin, Ross McNab, Ross Preston and Greg Swansbury.</p>
<p>This afternoon's RCA man of the match was chosen by Carl Fox. Carl picked Luke Page who “put in a great shift both in midfield and at the back.” Well played, Luke!</p>
<p>Next up for RCA is another tough Northern League match as Morpeth Town are the visitors to Meadow Park on Tuesday, 26 September, kick-off 7:30pm. Hopefully we'll have enough players available to field a team!</p>
</div></div></div>Sun, 24 Sep 2017 14:21:05 +0000Simon Mears3532 at http://sunderlandrca.co.ukhttp://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3532#commentsShildon 3 Sunderland RCA 0http://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3529
<div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Wednesday, 20 September 2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-competition field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Northern League 1</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-top-picture field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="http://sunderlandrca.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/DSC_4273.jpg?itok=L844eWhw" width="1200" height="798" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><em>RCA's Luke Richardson shields the ball from Shildon's Dominic Curl. </em></p>
<p><em>For more photos from the match please <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsm9eQhhr" target="_blank">click here</a>.</em></p>
<p>Goal scorers - Shildon: Greulich-Smith; Peacock; Coleman.</p>
<p>Sunderland RCA were back in Northern League action tonight with a trip to Shildon.</p>
<p>Shildon and RCA were two of the three Northern League sides in FA Cup action last Saturday, with contrasting results - Shildon had a superb 1-0 victory over Altrincham, who play two levels higher than Shildon, and, as a result, will make the long trip to Banbury United for the Third Qualifying Round tie. At the same time, RCA lost a close match, 2-0, at Scarborough Athletic but had chances in the match to force a replay.</p>
<p>RCA made one change to the side that lost the FA Cup match at Scarborough on Saturday - RCA captain Greg Swansbury - injured late on at Scarborough - was ruled out, so Colin Larkin moved to centre half to partner Ross Preston. James Cassidy returned on the left, with Stephen Callen moving from the left wing to join Nathan O'Neill up front.</p>
<p>The two sides lined up as follows:</p>
<p>Shildon: Liversedge; Harwood (c); Robson; Ellison; Curl; Groves; Greulich-Smith; Hodgson; Burnicle; Moore; Peacock.</p>
<p>RCA: Bussey; Noble; Larkin; Preston (c); McGuinness; Elliott; Charlton; Page; O'Neill; Callen; Cassidy. </p>
<!--break--><p>With just two minutes on the clock, RCA had a great chance to open the scoring, after a misplaced backpass was intercepted by O'Neill who fired his shot over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area. One minute later and RCA were forced into an early substitution after Callen pulled up with an injury and replaced by Luke Richardson, who went up front. In the 11th minute, Noble made a run and then fired a shot over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area. Three minutes later and Greulich-Smith made a similar run through central midfield and fired a long-range shot wide. One minute later and Cassidy made a good run down the left, before cutting into the penalty area but his cross took a deflection and looped up high into the air and was caught by Liversedge. And in the following minute, Burnicle made a good run but pulled his shot well wide of the post.</p>
<p>In the 20th minute, Shildon took the lead - Greulich-Smith fired in a fierce shot that was blocked by Preston for a corner. From the corner, Greulich-Smith rose unchallenged to head the ball home from six yards. In the 36th minute, Larkin played the ball forward to Page who drove forward before crossing to Richardson, who fired a first-time shot off the base of the post, but the flag was up for offside. Five minutes later and Cassidy made a good run down the left before playing in Elliott who forced a corner. From the corner, the ball was half cleared to Larkin, who was fouled. Elliott's free-kick was flicked towards goal by Richardson but drifted wide. Right on half-time, Shildon doubled their lead - Hodgson, in central midfield, played the ball out to the left to Peacock, who received the ball on the apex of the penalty area, before looking up and curling a super shot into the top, right corner.</p>
<p>Half-time: Shildon 2 Sunderland RCA 0</p>
<p>It was the home side that had the first attack of the second half as Burnicle cut inside from the left and fired in a shot that was blocked by Preston. In the 53rd minute, RCA had a great chance to gain a foothold in the match - Charlton chased what seemed to be a lost cause and managed to pinch the ball off a Shildon defender on the byline before squaring to O'Neill whose shot went narrowly wide from eight yards. Four minutes later and the dangerous Burnicle, cut in from the right this time, running along the edge of the penalty area before firing in a shot that was saved by Bussey. In the 64th minute, Richardson fired in a shot that was blocked for a corner. From McGuinness’ corner Page sent a header wide.</p>
<p>In the 72nd minute, Ellison was released in on goal but his shot was well blocked by Bussey and the loose ball was cleared. Seven minutes later and Peacock made a good run before playing the ball out to Burnicle whose cross was cleared by Larkin. Two minutes later and Ellison played a terrific ball into Burnicle who pulled his shot across the face of goal and out for a goal kick. RCA immediately went up the other end through Page, who played in Noble, who fired in a cracking 25-yarder that flew just wide. In the 83rd minute, Elliott picked up a throw-in before smartly moving into the penalty area, evading two challenges, and crossing into the danger area but the ball went straight through a crowded penalty area. One minute later and Ellison made a good run down the left to the byline before cutting the ball back to the edge of the penalty area, where Greulich-Smith fired a shot over the crossbar. In the 86th minute, a McGuinness corner was headed towards goal by O'Neill with a super header, but Liversedge got fingertips to the ball to turn it onto the face of the crossbar and the loose ball was cleared. In the final minutes of the match, substitute Coleman received a ball from the left and, from the edge of the penalty area, looked up and finished well across Bussey and into the far corner.</p>
<p>It's fair to say that Shildon are RCA's bogey team in the Northern League, with ten wins in a row now. A very decent performance tonight from RCA, creating numerous chances, but, unfortunately, none were taken which could have changed the course of the match.</p>
<p>Tonight's RCA man of the match was chosen by your correspondent, and I picked Luke Richardson, who came on as a substitute after only three minutes, held the ball up well, created chances, and showed great effort, commitment and attitude, despite playing in the unfamiliar position of centre forward. Well played, Luke!</p>
<p>Next up for RCA is the second installment of the Shildon double-header: Saturday, 23 September at Meadow Park, kick-off 3pm. Our luck has to change against Shildon at some point. Doesn't it? Come along on Saturday to find out.</p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 21 Sep 2017 13:18:36 +0000Simon Mears3529 at http://sunderlandrca.co.ukhttp://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3529#commentsScarborough Athletic 2 Sunderland RCA 0http://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3527
<div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Saturday, 16 September 2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-competition field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">FA Cup</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-top-picture field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="http://sunderlandrca.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/DSC_4214.jpg?itok=5wLUNNeV" width="1200" height="798" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><em>Luke Page fires in a second half shot.</em></p>
<p><em>For more photos from the match please <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsm8WeCik" target="_blank">click here</a>.</em></p>
<p>Goal scorers - Scarborough: Coulson; Read.</p>
<p>9:36pm, Tuesday, 5 September - the final whistle blows at Clayborn to bring to a close a superb performance from Sunderland RCA and a 4-0 win against Liversedge in the Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie, setting up this afternoon's Second Qualifying Round visit to Scarborough Athletic.</p>
<p>Following the six changes for the midweek defeat by Stockton Town, RCA reverted back to the same XI that started the match against Billingham Synthonia last Saturday.</p>
<p>The two sides lined up as follows:</p>
<p>Scarborough: Taylor; Valentine; Merris (c); Thirkell; Turnbull; Hewitt; Dean; Daly; Sinclair; Coulson; Wright.</p>
<p>RCA: Bussey; Noble; Swansbury (c); McGuinness; Preston; Elliott; Charlton; Page; O'Neill; Larkin; Callen.</p>
<!--break-->
<p>It was RCA who had the first attempt of the match - in the third minute, Charlton found space in the Scarborough penalty area but fired his shot high over the crossbar. And three minutes later Larkin fired a shot wide of the post as RCA made a good start. In the 13th minute a long ball forward was controlled by Callen, who drove to the byline and crossed but O'Neill headed the ball wide at the front post. Two minutes later and RCA won a free-kick midway inside the Scarborough half - McGuinness’ free-kick fell to O'Neill, whose shot on the turn was blocked and Larkin fired the loose ball over the crossbar. In the 17th minute Wright pinched the ball off the toes of Callen before driving into the penalty area and squaring the ball to Sinclair, whose effort was scuffed wide. Three minutes later and Scarborough had another chance as Thirkell released Sinclair who fired a shot wide.</p>
<p>In the 24th minute, RCA had their best chance of the half to open the scoring - good, determined play by Charlton down the right forced a corner. From McGuinness’ corner Callen rose well to head the ball narrowly over the crossbar from close range. Scarborough then had a good spell of pressure, with a shot wide from Coulson in the 26th minute. With six minutes to half-time, Page made a good run through central midfield before playing the ball out to Charlton on the right, whose cross was side footed well wide from the edge of the penalty area by O'Neill. One minute later and Scarborough had their best chance of the first half as Coulson delivered a lovely cross from the left and Sinclair sent a glancing header wide of the post from close range.</p>
<p>Half-time: Scarborough Athletic 0 Sunderland RCA 0</p>
<p>It was a fired-up Scarborough that emerged for the second half and immediately created a chance as Wright crossed from the right, the ball was cleared back to Wright, whose second cross was fired over the crossbar by Coulson. In the 50th minute, good play down the Scarborough left resulted in a shot from 25 yards by Merris flying a yard over the crossbar. Four minutes later and Merris delivered a good cross from the left that was palmed away by Bussey at full stretch to set up a swift counterattack for RCA, as Larkin released Page in on goal but his shot on the run was straight at Taylor. Two minutes later and Scarborough took full advantage of RCA's missed chance to open the scoring - a back-pass to Bussey was mis-kicked straight to Sinclair, who squared the ball to Coulson who made no mistake from inside the penalty area. In the 58th minute, Callen made a good run down the left before crossing into the six-yard area but the ball hacked clear, with O'Neill sliding in. Three minutes later and a good move by Scarborough as Merris made a driving run down the left and crossed to Dean, whose shot was well blocked by Swansbury for a corner which was cleared. And a further three minutes on and RCA won a free-kick for a foul on Charlton - McGuinness’ free-kick bobbled around briefly before Callen latched onto the loose ball and fired on a shot that was saved by Taylor, diving to his right.</p>
<p>Midway through the second half and RCA won a free-kick for a foul on O'Neill which was punched clear by Taylor. Three minutes later and RCA were unlucky not to equalise - RCA were awarded a free-kick for a foul on Callen. Elliott's free-kick was cleared for a corner which, in turn, was headed behind for a second corner. Elliott whipped the ball into the six-yard area where Preston headed a goal bound effort which was blocked by Thirkell. The loose ball came back to Preston who fired in a shot that was again blocked by Thirkell. In the 73rd minute, and with RCA pressing for an equaliser, Callen fired in a shot straight at Taylor. Eight minutes later and it was RCA who had a narrow escape after Hewitt sent a looping header over Bussey but Larkin was on the goal line to hook the ball clear. In the 83rd minute, Scarborough doubled their lead as a ball in from the right was swept home by Dean into the bottom corner from just inside the penalty area. In the final minutes, RCA forced a series of corners which were all cleared. In stoppage time, Callen made a driving run down the left and crossed but again the ball was cleared.</p>
<p>Obviously a hugely disappointing result for everyone connected with RCA. But there are many positives to take from this excellent cup run. This is only the second time in the club's 54 year history that we have won three FA Cup matches in any one season - the last time was 20 years ago when RCA beat Chester-le-Street Town, Darwen and St Helens Town, before losing to Hyde United.</p>
<p>And as for today's game, there was nothing to choose between the sides at half-time, against a side playing their football one level higher than RCA: a close range header was as near as either side came to breaking the deadlock. In the second half, Scarborough came out strongly and took the game to RCA, scoring the crucial first goal in a tight match. RCA then had their best spell in the match, creating some good opportunities to equalise, and were still in the game until the 83rd minute when Scarborough scored their second goal.</p>
<p>This afternoon's RCA man of the match was chosen by Jackie Callen. Jackie picked Greg Swansbury for being “rock solid as usual at the back”. Well played, Greg!</p>
<p>RCA are back in Northern League action this week with a Shildon double-header - on Wednesday, 20 September, we travel to Dean Street for a 7:30pm kick-off, and then on Saturday afternoon, 23 September, Shildon are the visitors to Meadow Park.</p>
</div></div></div>Sun, 17 Sep 2017 14:50:12 +0000Simon Mears3527 at http://sunderlandrca.co.ukhttp://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3527#commentsSunderland RCA 1 Stockton Town 4http://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3524
<div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Tuesday, 12 September 2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-competition field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Northern League 1</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-top-picture field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="http://sunderlandrca.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/DSC_4187.jpg?itok=trhK5Veo" width="1200" height="798" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><em>Colin Larkin chases a through ball as RCA try to get back into the match.</em></p>
<p><em>For more photos from the match please <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsm4jWV7S" target="_blank">click here</a>.</em></p>
<p>Goal scorers - Sunderland RCA: O'Neill. Stockton Town: Coleman; Woodhouse; Craggs; Carter.</p>
<p>Sunderland RCA were back in Northern League action at Meadow Park tonight against another newly-promoted side, Stockton Town.</p>
<p>Stockton have had a real baptism of fire since being promoted to Division One and are yet to record a point after all eight matches in the league so far this season ended in defeat. But this is a club that has become accustomed to winning - their last five seasons have seen them crowned as champions: in the Wearside League, Stockton won the league on four consecutive occasions, each season finishing with over one hundred points. They finally took promotion after ground grading issues were resolved and were promoted to the Northern League second division where they were again crowned champions last season at the first attempt.</p>
<p>Stockton did give RCA a very close match last season in the FA Vase, when an extra-time penalty from Colin Larkin was all that separated the sides.</p>
<p>RCA are currently in a rich vein of form - unbeaten in seven matches, winning six of them, and, as a result, making tremendous progress in the FA Cup as well as holding a top eight position in the Division One table.</p>
<p>Presumably with one eye on Saturday’s big FA Cup match at Scarborough, and guarding against further injury, RCA made six changes to the side that beat Billingham Synthonia at the weekend. Out were Neal Bussey, Adam McGuinness, Greg Swansbury, Dylan Elliott, Michael Charlton and Colin Larkin. In came Jack Patton (to make his debut for RCA), Jak Ashton, Luke Richardson, James Cassidy, Jonathan Davis and John Butler.</p>
<p>The two sides lined up as follows:</p>
<p>RCA: Patton; Noble; Ashton; Preston (c); Richardson; Page; Cassidy; J. Davis; Butler; O'Neill; Callen.</p>
<p>Stockton Town: Arthur; Garbutt; Ward; N. Mulligan; Poole; D. Mulligan; Woodhouse; Craggs; Coleman; Carter; Hayes.</p>
<p><!--break--></p><p> It was the visitors that got off to a perfect start, opening the scoring after just 45 seconds - a ball in from the right along the RCA six-yard line was only half cleared and Coleman latched onto the loose ball to finish smartly into the bottom, left corner from ten yards. In the 5th minute a lovely crossfield pass by Hayes was controlled by Coleman, who fired in a shot from 25 yards which Patton turned over for a corner which was cleared. Five minutes later and RCA were level - there seemed to be no apparent danger but an awful mix up in the Stockton defence allowed O'Neill to nip in, go around Arthur, and almost walk the ball into the net. In the 14th minute, RCA produced a good move as Noble and Cassidy combined well down the right but Cassidy’s cross was blocked by a Stockton defender. Three minutes later and Stockton won a free-kick for a foul by Noble - Craggs’ free-kick was on target and clawed away by Patton for a harmless corner.</p>
<p>Midway through the first half and Hayes made a good run down the left and his cross was sliced over the crossbar by Noble for a corner which was cleared. Four minutes later and Butler was put through on goal down the inside left channel but Arthur was quick off his line to smother the effort. The ball then broke loose to Butler who fired a shot over the crossbar from the apex of the penalty area. Seconds later and RCA won a corner which was headed narrowly wide by Callen. In the 29th minute D Mulligan fired in a shot from 25 yards just wide of the post. And one minute later a cross from substitute Roddam was headed wide by Craggs. Stockton retook the lead one minute later as a ball in from the right was finished by Woodhouse. And barely a minute later, Stockton had a third after a mix up in the RCA defence this time allowed Craggs to score. In the 38th minute Hayes made a good run forward, twisting and turning, before getting a shot away that deflected over the crossbar for a corner which was cleared. One minute later and RCA were attacking as Callen made a driving run through central midfield before firing in a shot that was tipped around the post by Arthur for a corner which was cleared. Two minutes later and Cassidy made a good run down the right before sending in a deep cross which was headed back across goal by Butler and over the crossbar. In first half stoppage time, Woodhouse fired in a fierce shot from 20 yards that produced a terrific save from Patton, diving full length to his left to turn the ball around the post for a corner which was cleared.</p>
<p>Half-time: Sunderland RCA 1 Stockton Town 3</p>
<p>RCA had the first attack of the second half - Cassidy made a good run down the right before playing the ball back to Noble, whose cross was headed straight at Arthur by Callen. In the 52nd minute, Callen made a determined run down the inside left channel before firing in a shot from the edge of the penalty area that was blocked. Callen then fired in a second attempt that went narrowly wide of the post. RCA were having a much better second half, and two minutes later, Cassidy again made a good run down the right before sending in a super low cross that Butler was inches away from getting on the end of, sliding in from six yards. In the 57th minute RCA made a double substitution, with Colin Larkin replacing John Butler, and Adam McGuinness replacing Luke Richardson.</p>
<p>On the hour mark, Callen and O'Neill played a lovely one-two but Callen’s attempted cross was smothered by Arthur. In the 64th minute, Callen made a driving run through central midfield before firing in a shot from 25 yards which was straight at Arthur. In the 74th minute, Dylan Elliott replaced Luke Page. Two minutes later and RCA won a free-kick for a foul on O'Neill 20 yards from goal - Elliott and Noble stood over the ball, but it was Noble who fired in a low shot straight at Arthur. In the 84th minute, RCA lost possession in midfield and a super crossfield ball was controlled by Carter who then went around Patton and side footed the ball into the empty net to well and truly finish the match.</p>
<p>A thoroughly deserved victory for the visitors tonight, who played a great match and took their chances clinically. For RCA it was a night to forget ahead of the big match on Saturday. RCA did have a number of attempts on goal in the second half but most were straight at, and comfortable for, Arthur.</p>
<p>Tonight's RCA man of the match was chosen by Peter Elliott. Peter picked James Cassidy for “working hard up and down the touchline and putting a lot of good balls into the penalty area”. Well played, James!</p>
<p>Next up is the match that RCA fans have been eagerly awaiting since the victory at Liversedge, as we travel to Scarborough Athletic on Saturday, 16 September for the Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round match. Kick-off is at 3pm. It promises to be a great occasion and hopefully a memorable one. Hope to see you there supporting the lads!</p>
</div></div></div>Wed, 13 Sep 2017 14:30:43 +0000Simon Mears3524 at http://sunderlandrca.co.ukhttp://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3524#commentsBillingham Synthonia 1 Sunderland RCA 4http://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3519
<div class="field field-name-field-date field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Saturday, 9 September 2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-competition field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Northern League 1</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-top-picture field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="http://sunderlandrca.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/DSC_4129.jpg?itok=t90b4fpJ" width="1200" height="798" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><em>Stephen Callen competes for the ball with Synners' Christopher Salmon.</em></p>
<p><em>For more photos from the match please <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsm2DcdZY" target="_blank">click here</a>.</em></p>
<p>Goal scorers - Billingham Synthonia: Hassan. RCA: O'Neill; Elliott; Larkin (2).</p>
<p>Sunderland RCA were back in Northern League action today with a trip to newly-promoted Billingham Synthonia. After spending two seasons in Division Two, it is fair to say that Synners have had a tough start back in Division One, losing an FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie on the opening day of the season and the following five league matches without even scoring a goal. However, their last two league matches have brought away draws at Washington and Jarrow Roofing which will bring hope that a corner has been turned.</p>
<p>RCA, meanwhile, have had a terrific start to the season with some impressive victories, none more so than the fabulous 4-0 win in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round replay at Liversedge on Tuesday.</p>
<p>RCA made one change from the side that started the match at Liversedge on Tuesday - Craig Hodgson, injured during the match, was ruled out and back into the starting line-up came Dylan Elliott.</p>
<p>The two sides lined up as follows:</p>
<p>Synners: Gibbs; Edwards; Gavin; Nelson; Tunstall; Ramage; Hillerby; Seaton (c); Hassan; Scaife-Wheatley; Salmon.</p>
<p>RCA: Bussey; Noble; Swansbury (c); McGuinness; Preston; Elliott; Charlton; Page; O'Neill; Larkin; Callen.</p>
<p><!--break--></p><p>It was the home side who had the first noteworthy attempt - in the third minute Hillerby played a ball in from the left and Scaife-Wheatley turned and fired a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area. Three minutes later and Callen made a good run through central midfield before releasing Charlton but, unfortunately, Charlton stood on the ball and it was hacked clear. Two minutes later and a ball out to the left from Elliott was superbly controlled by Callen who squared the ball to Larkin, whose shot from the edge of the penalty area was saved by Gibbs. In the 14th minute RCA were awarded a penalty - Page raced into the penalty area in pursuit of a through ball and, as Gibbs advanced to make a challenge, the ball broke loose and Gibbs pulled Page back and the RCA midfielder went to ground. After a three minute delay for Gibbs to be cautioned and treated for an injury, O'Neill stepped up and blasted the ball into the net to give RCA the lead. Two minutes later, Charlton crossed to O'Neill in the penalty area whose header was well saved by Gibbs.</p>
<p>In the 32nd minute, Salmon made a good, driving run down the right before cutting into the penalty area but a terrific sliding challenge from Swansbury snuffed out the danger. One minute later and this time it was Hassan who made a powerful run down the right before firing in a shot from a tight angle that was saved by Bussey at his front post. In the 34th minute, RCA doubled their lead - O'Neill made a super run into the penalty area and crossed to Elliott, whose initial effort was blocked but the ball rebounded straight back to Elliott who finished high into the roof of the net from close range. With half-time approaching, Synners won a free-kick 25 yards from goal after a foul by Page. Gavin curled the free-kick high over the crossbar. In first half stoppage time Synners got a foothold in the match - a corner kick on the right was whipped in low by Hillerby and Hassan latched onto the ball to finish well from eight yards.</p>
<p>Half-time: Billingham Synthonia 1 Sunderland RCA 2</p>
<p>It was RCA who had the first attack of the second half as Callen made a good run down the left and forced a corner which was cleared behind for a subsequent corner which was punched clear by Gibbs. In the 52nd minute, good play by Page in midfield released Callen on the left who drove into the penalty area and fired a shot narrowly wide of the post. Five minutes later and Elliott played a terrific 40-yard diagonal ball into the path of Callen on the left but a Synners defender was able to clear the ball for a throw-in. In the 64th minute, the ball was given away by RCA at the back and Edwards fired in a shot that was well saved by Bussey.</p>
<p>Midway through the second half and RCA won a free-kick for a foul on Larkin - Elliott's free-kick was won in the penalty area by the head of Preston and the ball fell to Callen whose goal bound shot was blocked for a corner which was cleared. In the 68th minute Callen was replaced by James Cassidy, and McGuinness was replaced by Clayton Davis. In the 71st minute, RCA restored their two goal advantage - Bussey cleared the ball and O'Neill flicked the ball forward to Larkin, who sent a super header over Gibbs and into the net. Five minutes later and Swansbury - who, hitherto, had played every minute of every match so far this season - was injured and replaced by Luke Richardson. In the 77th minute, RCA got a fourth goal - Davis made a driving run down the right before squaring the ball to Larkin who finished well despite Gibbs getting a hand to the ball. Seven minutes later and Hillerby made a good run and cross which was cleared for a corner which was well held by Bussey under pressure from several Synners players. In the final minutes, Larkin exchanged passes with O'Neill before firing in a shot that was blocked. From the rebound, O'Neill fired in a shot was again blocked. And at the other end Salmon fired in a good effort that was well saved by Bussey.</p>
<p>Given the stark contrast in form of the two sides so far this season, this was a match that RCA would have expected to win. RCA's unbeaten run is now extended to seven matches - six of which have been victories.</p>
<p>This afternoon's RCA man of the match was chosen by Gary ‘Gee’ Errington. Gee picked Ross Preston for “his organisation, keeping things simple, never giving the ball away and excellent decision making”. Well played, Ross!</p>
<p>Next up for RCA is another team who were promoted last season - Stockton Town are the visitors to Meadow Park this Tuesday, 12 September. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.</p>
</div></div></div>Sun, 10 Sep 2017 15:39:12 +0000Simon Mears3519 at http://sunderlandrca.co.ukhttp://sunderlandrca.co.uk/node/3519#comments